breathing [muke af]

wouah

wouah

It’s the end of April when the divorce papers are put through. 

It’s the last day of April when Kate and Michael sit the two girls at the kitchen table, explaining the words like every cliché movie out there. (“We are not in love, but we love you.”)

It’s the first day in May when Michael tells the girls he’s with a man. Tessa doesn’t understand, but Ella does. 

It’s the second Saturday in May when Ella walks in on Michael kissing Luke goodbye. She’s angry about it, and she doesn’t know why. She’s angry because Michael isn’t home anymore, she’s angry because Michael doesn’t look at her like he looks at Tessa, she’s angry. 

It’s the third week in May when Luke and Michael take the girls for apartment shopping.  “Are you two excited?” He asks his daughter as he pulls up to the first loft-style complex. Michael turns around to face the two in the backseat, Tessa has a wide smile on her face, her blonde hair in a bun on the top of her face. Ella just looks at her father, no real reaction on her face.

He shrugs, stepping out of the car. Luke helps Tessa out of her car seat, unbuckling it and placing her on the parking lot ground. She reaches her hands up, wanting to be carried. 

Tessa doesn’t think it’s weird that her teacher is dating her father, she will one day, but not today. 

Luke smiles, reaching his hands under her arms and pulling her to his hip. He tickles her stomach, simply to hear her laugh. 

Michael holds out his hand for Ella, she takes it, even though she’s still angry with him. The four cross the street together, opening the glass doors and meeting their realtor in the lobby. She meets them with a toothy smile, admiring how cute they looked as a full family. 

Luke blushes at the thought. 

“This first apartment I’m going to show you is on the second and third floor. It is technically only one bedroom, but there’s lots of space to create another room when needed,” she spoke, leading them towards the elevator. 

Ella was still clinging on to Luke, her knobby knees tight around his waist. Luke held his hand closer to Michael, their knuckles grazing against each other. Mike connected their hands, tightly squeezing as a reminder of affection before letting go.
They stepped out of the elevator, following the young women down the hall as she boosted on about the luxuries this complex came with. “I’ll let you guys explore,” she said as she unlocked the door, “I’ll be out here when you’re ready.”

Michael was first in the door, Ella shortly behind. Luke and Tessa came in last, the door closing behind them. “It has a gorgeous kitchen,” Mike commented, wiping a hand over the crystal-injected counter tops. 

“I’m more of a granite person,” Luke said, finally putting the five (almost six) year old on the ground. 

“So basic,” Michael said under his breath, but loud enough for his partner to hear. 

Luke rolled his eyes as he looked at the spacious space. “We could get a nice breakfast table over there,” he pointed to an empty space which over looked the Cuyahoga Valley, “maybe a bookshelf and reading area over there. A desk so you can work a little more at home, less downtown,” he continued making obvious hints. 

Michael was half listening, already making his way up the carpeted stairs. There was a large loft area, where they could put a pull out couch for when the girls stay over. Otherwise, it could be their living room. 

Luke grabbed Tessa’s hand once more as they headed up the stairs. He’s grown a fatherly bond with younger Clifford the last few months, he’s glad at least one of the Clifford girls likes him. “It’s really cute, I like it, but I’m not sure I love it.” He walked over to the window as the two girls explored the bedroom and bathroom. The view of the valley was breathtaking, downtown only right above the peak. 

“This is only for now. Once we get a ring on your finger, we can spend more time looking at places you love,” Michael whispered, letting his hands wander under Luke’s shirt, his lips on the blonde’s ear lobe. 

“Mike,” he extended the older man’s name, knowing if he didn’t stop him now, he’d be pressed up against the wall in only a matter of seconds. 

Michael stepped back, leaving him with a pat on the bum as he left to find the other rooms. 

Luke turned back around, looking at the decent sized apartment. He smiled to himself, because things were just starting to work out. They were finally happening in his favor.

(a/n) i'm sorry everything has sucked lately